Seeking ideas for back wall in backyard

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/5093f0d5e7cfc-.jpg

The storm exposed what an eyesore the cement back wall of our garden is – after trimming away 35 years’ worth of ivy, I saw that our trellis was pretty much being held in place by the ivy.  I want to get rid of the ivy and the trellis and do something interesting.  I’m including a picture of the post-storm situation.  There was, and will again be, a fence installed at the top of the cement wall by the apartment building behind us (it was a chain link fence that was blown down by the storm), so I’m not going to do anything until we see what that looks like.   I’d love to hear some creative ideas for how to treat this wall.  A couple of things I’m interested in: (1) very low maintenance of whatever we put there, (2) not creating crevices where rodents might find homes (like they did around the roots of the ivy), (3) keeping in place our wooden fencing on the sides, which is only a year old, (4) adding some lighting at the back of the yard.  We will likely replace the reddish paving stones with slate that matches for area closer to the house. Thanks for your thoughts!

UWS

in Garden Design and Maintenance 12 years and 6 months ago

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danewilliam | 11 years and 1 month ago

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You know what is perfect on your small backyard? You are missing sun shade or a big garden umbrella, so in times of rain or shine, you still have comfortable taking special moments. Anyway have you already seen sun shade or shade sail? here is the sample of it [http://coastwideshadesails.com.au/shade-sails-products/shade-sails/](http://coastwideshadesails.com.au/shade-sails-products/shade-sails/).

jesseBK | 12 years and 6 months ago

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We would be glad to help you with the design/build.  www.newecocreations.com.  Thanks!

marie-helene | 12 years and 6 months ago

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You could build long planters to match your fences (very nice, by the way, I really love the color and the design.)  Paint the wall  a neutral color after ripping all the ivy out, build the planters for the entire length, with bench seating in front, plant bamboo for a low-maintenance privacy screen.  You could ask an electrician to install outdoor sockets by the corner of the bench, and have 2 or 3 light spots in the bamboo.

brokelin | 12 years and 6 months ago

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Your wood fence are nice looking.  I’d keep in touch with the building next door to see if you can have input into what they put up…incenting them to spend for wood rather than chain link would make your yard look nicer, and provide you with more privacy.  Even if they want to leave holes for air and a view of your yard, almost anything is nicer than chain link. I’d focus on that before figuring out what to do with the back of your yard.  Then, I’d look into trees that grow tall and narrow to provide you with a wall of greenery in lieu of ivy.  If you like art, you could go with having a mural painted, instead of an entire wall of greenery.  But I’m guessing you are going to need the greenery to cover/hide whatever the building behind puts up for a wall.